SIMPLY crossing the road reveals a confusing riddle for a few Fulwood residents.

For a small street with just three houses features signs showing two different spellings of its name, despite being only 50 yards apart!

And Preston's A-Z Street Atlas lists yet another version.

So is it Laburnum, Laburnam or Laburnham Drive? Hairdresser Jane McNeela passes the sign every day going to work on nearby Beeches Drive. She had not noticed the error but when quizzed, she wasn't sure of the correct spelling.

Jane said: "It's quite amusing. People spell it in many ways but my mail still gets to me.

"A few years ago the sign got damaged and was repaired but the mistake remains."

Long-time resident Irene Barber has been oblivious to the blunder for 60 years, but neighbour Marjorie Osborn noticed the fault decades ago.

Marjorie said: "It's a ridiculous error but it's not worth the bother reporting it. I'm used to spelling the name over the phone to people."

The Citizen reported the gaffe to Preston Council. Mahmoud Labib, director of technical services, said: "It's a simple spelling mistake which has not been noticed by inspectors who check roads and signs for damage. A new sign will be provided as soon as practicable."

And for the record, the correct spelling is Laburnum!

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